Specifications
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VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide
you run the virtual machine are written to the virtual disk. You cannot revert to a
previous state because the snapshot no longer exists.
To remove the snapshot, shut down and power off the virtual machine. Then choose
Snapshot > Remove Snapshot.
Note: Removing a snapshot when the virtual machine is powered off can take a long
time, depending upon the size of the snapshot file. While you are removing the
snapshot, other consoles may not be able to connect to the server host and the users
trying to connect may see an error that the VMware Registration Service (vmware-
serverd) is not running.
Snapshots and Legacy Disk Modes
If you are familiar with the disk modes used in earlier versions of GSX Server, you can
use the snapshot to achieve equivalent results. If you want the equivalent of:
• Persistent mode — Do not take a snapshot.
• Undoable mode — Take a snapshot when you begin your working session. To
discard all work done during the session, revert to the snapshot. To commit the
work done during the session, take a new snapshot at the end of the working
session. To keep the work done during a session without committing it, leave
the original snapshot unchanged.
• Nonpersistent mode — Be sure the virtual machine is in the state you want it.
Power off the virtual machine. Take a snapshot. Go to VM > Settings > Options
> Snapshot. Under When powering off select Revert to snapshot.
Note: In earlier versions of GSX Server, disk modes had to be set individually for each
disk. The snapshot introduced in GSX Server 3 applies by default to the entire virtual
machine, including all disks attached to the virtual machine.
Snapshots and Repeatable Resume
The repeatable resume feature in GSX Server 2 allows you to resume a suspended
virtual machine repeatedly in the same state. You can use the snapshot to accomplish
the same thing. Run the virtual machine, be sure it is in the state you want it, then
suspend it. Take a snapshot. Go to VM > Settings > Options > Snapshot. Under
When powering off, select Revert to the snapshot.
Snapshots and Legacy Virtual Machines
If you are using a legacy virtual machine — for example, a virtual machine created
under GSX Server 2 and not upgraded to use the new GSX Server 3 virtual hardware